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Mental health and addictions discussed at Ottawa municipalities meeting

The main message concerned solutions for issues involving mental health and addictions
20190822 Melanie, Dan, Dan and Mark with Todd Smith
Acting DNSSAB CAO Melanie Shaye, and board members Dan Roveda (West Nipissing), Dan O’Mara (Temagami) and Mark King (DNSSAB Chair) with MCCSS Minister Todd Smith at the AMO Conference in Ottawa. Supplied.

District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB) chair Mark King says he's optimistic he'll see some positive outcomes after an Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference.

A delegation met with key ministry personnel at the (AMO) gathering in Ottawa this week.

The main message concerned solutions for issues involving mental health and addictions and the housing crisis in the district.  

Ontario’s associate minister of mental health and addictions, Michael Tibollo will be in the area for the International Plowing Match in September and hopes to sit in on a meeting of local stakeholders trying to find a way to manage the issue of mental health and addictions.

The DNSSAB also met with various ministry representatives to advocate for community supports in social housing and the increased need for emergency shelter spaces, according to a news release from the group.  It also advocated for the continuation of programs that are proving successful, such as the N-PREP program which helps social assistance recipients leave Ontario Works and move on to post-secondary education, and the GetTrainedWorkers website and database that helps to match people looking for work to employers needing skilled labour.

“Often issues are more complex and fall under the purview of several ministries and program areas of the DNSSAB,” adds King.  “In some cases, we’re already doing what the province is pushing for so it’s a good opportunity to let the government know what is working, and why.”